Miami's Best Eats and Drinks This Weekend: Miami Gras, Free Cocktails, and Carnaval

This weekend, Phuc Yea and the Wharf celebrate International Women's Day with female-focused events, Concrete Beach Brewery hosts its third-annual Miami Gras, and Carnaval Miami returns to Calle Ocho with a croqueta-eating competition.

Free Cocktail at the Wharf. In celebration of International Women's Day, the Wharf will serve a free cocktail to all ladies during happy hour. Plus, take advantage of additional specials, such as $1 beer and $3 wines. All you have to do is RSVP in advance. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Wharf, 114 SW North River Dr., Miami. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.

Miami Gras Block Party & Can Release at Concrete Beach Brewery. Wynwood's Concrete Beach Brewery will close down the block on Saturday in one big joint celebration of both Mardi Gras and Carnaval. That also happens to be the day of the brewery's can release of Miami Gras, a French-style saison infused with wildflower honey. Plus, expect live music and food vendors including Madrecita's Cuban Bistro Restaurant and Cajun & Creole St. Nola Fusion. 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at 325 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-796-2727; concretebeachbrewery.com. Admission is free.

Carnaval Miami on Calle Ocho. For folks outside the Magic City, Calle Ocho is a mystical place. Miamians get to live its cultural awesomeness every day — and we throw down big-time once a year. It's time for that throwdown: Carnaval Miami's Calle Ocho festival is this weekend. For 2019, there will be 20 blocks of food, vendors, and jams, with ten stages of tunes to get rumps moving. Plus, this year will include El Croquetazo, a croqueta-eating competition with various rounds for amateurs, celebrities, and professionals. Winners will receive bragging rights and potential cash prizes. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 10, on SW Eighth Street from SW 12th to 27th Avenue, Miami; carnavalmiami.com. Admission is free.

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SUCCESS!

Off-Menu Exiled Cocktail at Broken Shaker. Sip on Cuban history through an off-menu cocktail ($14) featuring Havana Club Rum. Just whisper a secret code — which in this case is “La Yuma” — to a Shaker bartender to get your very own pour. Made with Havana Club's Añejo Blanco, each cocktail includes a dash of lime, fermented strawberry, and simple syrup. Available through March at the Broken Shaker, 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach; 305-531-2727; freehandhotels.com.

Alexandria Guerra

MC Kitchen's Mercato Sunset Opens in Sunset Harbour. MC Kitchen has brought its fast-casual concept to Miami Beach with the opening of Mercato Sunset from MC Kitchen owner Brandi Coletta. Items include a variety of fresh-baked goods such as baguettes ($5), muffins ($4), vegan and gluten-free cookies ($4.50), and brownies ($5) to pair with Lavazza coffee options like Americanos ($3.80), brewed coffee ($3), double espressos ($3.40), and iced lattes ($4.75). The list of presatta — pressed sandwiches made to order — includes Nonna's pork and beef meatball parma with melted mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a sub roll ($13); applewood-smoked chicken with mustard dressing, wild greens, sliced tomato, and fontina cheese served on button bread ($14); and baked honey ham with artisan lettuce, provolone, tomato, and mustard aioli on a demi ciabatta ($13). A selection of wine and beer is also available. Fridays, the spot hosts happy hour and offers a family-style meal for two — including bread, salad, pasta, and a bottle of wine — for less than $60. 1701 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; mckitchenmiami.com.

Clarissa Buch is a reporter and food critic who has covered Miami for more than half a decade. Her work focuses on food and culture (and food culture).

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